Deli owner took his own life day after Kosher meat licences revoked

Prestwich deli owner took his own life day after Kosher meat licences revoked

A HARDWORKING father-of-two took his own life the day after the licences to sell Kosher meat at his delis were revoked.

Company director Robert Kaye had "struggled with a number of business and health pressures" in the six months leading to his death, an inquest heard.

Paying tribute, his partner of four years Kathryn Davies described him as "a beautiful soul."

The 43-year-old was found hanged at his home in Blenheim Close, Hollins, Bury, on June 18, 2019 — the day after the kosher licences were revoked at his two businesses, Gough's Deli in Prestwich and Roseman's Deli in Childwall, Liverpool, which he had owned for 12 years.

An investigation had been launched by Manchester Beth Din, an organisation which regulates Jewish religious laws, on Wednesday, June 12, after a delivery of "non-kosher food" was refused at the Liverpool deli.

Heywood Coroners' Court heard this statement by Rabbi Steiner, of Manchester Beth Din: "On Wednesday, June 12, a delivery arrived at Roseman's in Liverpool. It was liver that did not have any markings on. The delivery was refused. Mr Kaye was called to Manchester Beth Din on June 17. He attended with records of non-kosher meat.

"When asked how long it had been going on, they said for some time, probably for about seven years. Our concern was that it was being brought to Manchester. We felt there was no option but to revoke his licence."

He continued: "This accreditation gives people of the Jewish faith the assurance that the products they are being sold are kosher.

"If any conditions are breached, it is taken very seriously and will require stringent investigation."

The court heard a statement by Rabbi Natan Fagleman of the Liverpool Kashrut Commission: "I was shown invoices that confirmed non-kosher meat was supplied to Roseman's Deli.

"Receipts showed that other meats and poultry that were non-kosher had been supplied.

"I was also told food cooked in the shop was also considered non-kosher. I spoke to Robert and said we could not give him a licence but he could sell foods that were pre-packaged and non-kosher. He said he would run it as a dried and pre-packaged foods business."

Following the decisions, Ms Davies said her partner was "completely broken."

She said: "Three rabbis followed him down to Manchester and made him get onto a ladder and paint over the Beth Din sign on the shop with a broken arm, and they took pictures of him."

Mr Kaye had fractured his collarbone after falling from a ladder in May 2019.

The court heard that Mr Kaye had been facing pressures relating to his business and health for the six months leading to his death.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition, in late 2015, and he was diagnosed with depression in summer 2018.

On June 11, 2019, he visited his MS nurse and disclosed that he had been experiencing suicidal thoughts, the inquest was told.

He was prescribed anti-depressants by his GP on Friday, June 14.

Coroner Catherine McKenna recorded a conclusion of suicide.

She said: "Robert took his own life. The evidence of recent suicidal thoughts and the fact that no drugs or alcohol were found in his system, leads me to the conclusion that it is more likely than not that Robert intended the cause of his actions.

"Robert was a very proud and hardworking father, brother and partner. I have no doubt that he is greatly missed by the community."

She said: "Robert had struggled with a number of pressures in the six months before his death and they had come to a head.

"He had personal issues and health concerns. He had been diagnosed with MS and had fractured his shoulder in May 2019, which impacted his ability to do his job.

"He also had business pressures; he had made a decision to expand his business in December 2018, which involved splitting his time between Liverpool and Manchester.

"On Monday, June 17, Robert was called to the Beth Din and told his licence was being revoked. He was completely broken that evening.

"On Tuesday, June 18, he was found hanged."

Ms Davies said: "The last six months had been a real struggle. He was tortured every day. He was struggling to sleep, struggling to eat. But he had been fighting it."

Following the hearing, Ms Davies said she would continue to raise awareness of mental health in Mr Kaye's honour.

"I love him," she said, "He was a beautiful soul.

"I want good to come out of this. I have tried to raise money in honour of his name and I will continue to do so."

For advice or support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or visit the go to the Samaritans website.

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